Roof repairs letter

Following the lead thefts from St John’s in September and resulting damage to the building, I write to thank you for your prayers and support and to update you on progress.

The main roof repairs have now been completed. New security lights to illuminate darker areas around the church have been fitted and protective security grills will be fitted over them in the next week. Anti-vandal paint has been applied and will be maintained in the future; in accordance with Diocesan requirements, permanent warning signs to this effect will be ordered. The roof alarm has been extended to cover the whole roof and a one-year external response contract has been taken out, to offer increased support in the event of the alarm being triggered. All work has been carried out in accordance with Diocesan and insurance requirements.

Repair work is still required to the vestry roof. There had been a longstanding problem in this area that the PCC had identified and agreed to repair. However, the lead theft exacerbated this problem and so more extensive repair is now required. There is also limited water damage to the inside of church above the organ. Quotes are being solicited for the necessary redecoration but it is anticipated that this will be met by our insurers.

I am extremely grateful to David Orritt, Peter Dorling, Ian Hawksby and the wardens for the considerable amount of time, skill and effort they have kindly given to enable us to resolve these issues speedily.

As you will appreciate, the necessary repair work and improved security measures have come at a considerable and unanticipated cost. Please see the breakdown of costs overleaf. For your information, in line with the policies for churches given the prevalence of lead theft nationally, our insurance coverage for roof repairs covers a maximum claim of £10,000 in a 12-month period.

The total anticipated cost of the repair work and improved security measures is

£38,820 inclusive of VAT.

To date, we have received £18,298 towards this amount. This consists of £10,000 from our insurance company; £5,176 from recovery of VAT (anticipated); £500 grant from AllChurches Trust and £2,622 from unsolicited gifts, for which we are most grateful.

This leaves a shortfall of £20,522.

On behalf of the PCC, I write to ask if would prayerfully consider making a financial contribution to help us cover this cost. As you will appreciate, this large unanticipated expense will have considerable impact on our ability to fund our continuing ministry in Burscough and beyond unless we can raise this money.

To make a contribution:

Please use a GIFT AID envelope available from the pews and West End and mark it ‘ROOF REPAIRS’. If you wish to make your contribution to be anonymous, this is all you need to do. If you are a taxpayer and you would like the church to claim the Gift Aid on your kind contribution, please fill in the details on the envelope. Envelopes may be placed in the offertory or given to the Treasurer, Church Wardens or a member of staff. Thank you.

If you would prefer to make a contribution spread over 12 months, please contact Peter Dorling, our Treasurer, to discuss this in confidence (01704 891612).

This appeal will run from today for six weeks, and we will report back on Sunday 25 January 2015.

In challenging economic times, thank you for your prayerful and considered response.

In His Love

Richard & the PCC

Expenditure (rounded to nearest £) £

Emergency temporary roof repairs 1,200

Roof alarm 2,812

1 year monitoring response 317

Roof repairs – chancel & nave 14,411

Roof repairs – above main entrance 5,556

Additional lead above main entrance 219

Security lights 859

Roof repairs – vestry* 7,446

Gutter repairs (south side of church)** 6,000

Total 38,820

Notes:

* Not yet accepted as we’re awaiting confirmation and further quotes that we hope may be slightly cheaper.

** Estimated cost of repairing problems identified by the roofing contractor when lead was being replaced. The extent will not be fully known until it is investigated in depth with special reference to the Barge Boards to which the metal gutter is attached. We hope that it can be done for less than the amount quoted. This estimate is for the provision of scaffolding and replacement of the barge boards before the gutter repair is completed.

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